Dear veterans, members, and community friends,

As we enter November, a month of deep significance for our Legion and our community, I am pleased to share important updates and invite you all to participate in the activities and observances ahead at Branch 29.

Remembrance Day on November 11th remains the centrepiece of our calendar. The wreath-laying ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m., with the formal ceremony commencing at 10:50 a.m. and a Moment of Silence observed at 11:00 a.m. Branch facilities will open after the ceremony. The parade will be led by Sergeant-at-Arms Mark Ford and will include a piper and drummer. The poppy blankets created through the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 100th Anniversary Poppy Project will be on display at the cenotaph. These remarkable blankets were made by hundreds of people across our community, who together attached more than 11,500 individual poppies as part of the overall project. Their generosity and dedication have produced a striking and heartfelt tribute to remembrance.

Family members, friends, church groups, and service clubs wishing to place wreaths may do so between 10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Please proceed to the cenotaph area, where a Legion member will assist you and accompany you to the placement location.

It is with sadness that we note the recent passing of long-time member and our oldest Second World War veteran, Henry Foster. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We honour his service and memory.

The William Street bridge over the Grand River is now open following the completion of construction. Access to the Legion from downtown is easier than ever, and we encourage everyone to visit us. We are now open on Saturdays.

Our hours of operation remain:
​Tuesday – Euchre – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (First Hand at 7:00 p.m.)
Wednesday – Corn Hole – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (First Game at 7:00 p.m.)
Thursday – Darts & Billiards – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (First Game at 7:00 p.m.)
Friday – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (may be open later for events)
Saturday – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (may be open later for events)
Sunday – Football – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The recreational activities listed above are drop-in. Everyone is welcome to join in; simply arrive and take part. No prior registration is required.

Two special events highlight the month:
On Saturday, November 21st, the 13th No Road Back Music Event 2026 will take place from noon to 10:00 p.m. in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Featured performers include ROADTRIP, Marc LaChapelle, Bailey Robb, Doc Sandman, T.L. Robbins, Grace R., B4 Midnight, Chris Strei, The Barman, Allie Stenhouse, Loose Moralz, Sue Serre, Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend, The Die Hards, Trevor Cobb, Bob Banks, and Shawn Blackmore.

On Friday, November 27th, the British Invasion 60s Video Dance Party will be held from 7:00 p.m., with a $5 cover charge. We look forward to strong community support for both.

The annual Poppy Campaign continues, and volunteers are still required, particularly for the Beer Store and No Frills locations on November 6th and 7th. High-school students seeking volunteer hours are especially encouraged to participate. Please contact Poppy Chairman Earl MacDonald at 226-387-0729 to offer assistance.

In connection with our 100th anniversary Poppy Project, two of the community-made poppy blankets from the larger project are also on display outside the Legion along the fence and over the patio overhang. Visitors are welcome to view them.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris 100th Anniversary Committee would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the anniversary week celebrations possible. The week featured the successful exhibition Stitches, Strength, and Steel: Women on the Home Front During World War II, which ran throughout the week and was well attended by many school children. On Saturday there was a dinner with special music by Chuck Jackson and Cheryl Lescom, and on Sunday a meet and greet. Our deep appreciation goes to all the community members, Legion members, local businesses, volunteers, those who created the poppies, those who attended the exhibit, and everyone else who contributed in any way. Your generosity, time, and support made the week a true success.

We are also pleased to announce that Chef Shannon Conn is now providing culinary services at the Branch. Friday-evening meals will soon be offered, with menus posted on parislegion29.ca. Private dinners with full bar and menu service may be booked for special occasions. Celebration-of-life catering is now available in-house.

Our Elimination Draw is under way, with tickets available at the bar for $20 each. The final draw will take place on Saturday, December 5th, 2026. Proceeds support Christmas Hampers. Catch the Ace continues to be developed and will be coming soon.

Please check parislegion29.ca and our Facebook page regularly for the latest information and updates.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Legion throughout the month and especially on Remembrance Day.

Yours in service,